Boost for Titans as flourishing young half re-signs

The pick of many to be named the 2016 NRL Rookie of the Year, Ashley Taylor has enjoyed a tremendous debut season. It has now been capped off with the announcement that he has re-signed with the club until the end of the 2018 season.

The re-signing has been confirmed on the eve of the club’s Paul Broughton Medal evening, as Taylor – who played in 22 NRL games this year – impressed on many levels.

Still learning and developing by his own admission, Taylor is excited to spend more time with the Titans organisation who are on the rise.

“I’m very happy at the club and I want to show the Titans how thankful I am and commit myself for another season,” Taylor said.

“I’m very proud of what I have achieved this year and I’ve learned a lot in my first season in the NRL, not just on the field but how to prepare and handle the physical side of the weekly grind of the game. I can’t wait to get stuck into pre-season and progress further next season.

“It’s a great club and the playing group is really close and I reckon we can achieve quite a lot in the next two seasons.”

Forced to play him early due to a pre-season injury to fellow young half Kane Elgey, Titans coach Neil Henry has seen first-hand the impact and commitment of Taylor.

With the Titans organisation on the rise as a premiership force, he is pleased to see Taylor commit to the club and be a part of what they hope is something special.

“It’s great news for the club and another crucial piece in establishing a bright future for the Titans,” said Henry.

“I’m very pleased to know Ash will be with us for the next two seasons but it’s great for the Titans fans particularly as they can see a very good nucleus of a team for the future coming together.”
The competition for spots will be on in 2017, with the return of Kane Elgey to liven things up at Titans HQ.

“It means the club have great halves depth with Ash, Kane Elgey and Tyrone Roberts as well, who had a very good first season with the club,” added Henry.

Henry praised the efforts of Taylor both on and off the field as a player and a person.

“Not only has Ash worked hard on the field and handled the physical pressure and responsibility of being a young play-maker in a crucial position, but he has worked hard for the club off the field in community, which is a great credit to him,” said Henry.